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Landing a Job in a New City: 5 Easy Steps

I live in Portland, Oregon. We’re one of those towns filled with transplants because everyone wants to live in Portland (or so it seems).

I did, in the worst way.

I’m a Detroit girl by heritage, who fell in love with Portland about 15 years ago and finally made my westward pilgrimage a few years back.

I was lucky. Jobwise, I simply unplugged my office in the Midwest, toted everything across the country, and plugged the operation back in once I hit the coast.

But how about those of us who want or need to make a geographic leap, but need to find a new job as part of that transition? It’s not always super easy. In fact, it can be a downright pain in the rear if you’re not thoughtful and, at times, a bit crafty, in how you go about the hunt.

On that note, here are five ways to hunt for a job in a new location, when you’re not yet there.

If the move is pending, and you’re able to search sans secrecy, you may want to act as if you’re already in the new city. This way, if a recruiter or hiring manager conducts a zip code-based search for someone with your qualifications on LinkedIn, you have a shot at turning up in the search results. Again, don’t do this if you need to conduct the search secretly, or if you are really only moving to that town if some great job comes along. But if you can search openly as you prepare for the move, definitely change the location.

2. Join LinkedIn Groups Specific to Your Desired Geography

LinkedIn Groups have made it insanely easy to connect with professionals living in your geography of interest and working in the same industry sector as you. Most major metropolitan areas have groups that will be both geographically and industry focused (e.g., Portland Accounting and Finance Professionals, or San Francisco Fashion Industry Professionals). Once you’re in these groups, pay attention (and contribute) to the discussions going on, search for people working at companies that interest you, and, for heaven’s sake, introduce yourself to those you’d like to know.

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LearnVest Planning Services is a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of LearnVest, Inc. that provides financial plans for its clients. Information shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Please consult a financial adviser for advice specific to your financial situation. LearnVest Planning Services and any third-parties listed, discussed, identified or otherwise appearing herein are separate and unaffiliated and are not responsible for each other’s products, services or policies. LearnVest, Inc. is wholly owned by NM Planning, LLC, a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.